Under the Sink Organization Ideas and DIY Sink Mat

Refresh your kitchen with a simple under-sink organization system and an easy DIY cabinet mat.

Kitchen organization can feel overwhelming, and the space under the sink often becomes a catchall. With a few straightforward steps, you can turn that cluttered cabinet into a tidy, functional area.

I recently cleared out my under-sink cabinet and want to share the practical process I used, plus a quick DIY under sink mat that protects the cabinet and makes everything look neater.

Simple Under Kitchen Sink Organization Ideas + a DIY Cabinet Mat

Disclosure: This post originally included product recommendations and affiliate links.

1. Start by emptying everything out

A dirty cupboard that needs organizing under the kitchen sink. — Before the quick under the kitchen sink organization project.

To get a clear picture of the space and what you actually have, remove every item from the cabinet. Lay things out on a counter or table so you can sort and decide what stays, what gets thrown out, and what needs to be cleaned.

2. Soak containers and clean bins

Garbage cans soaking in water and a sink full of soapy water with organizational containers in it.

Set small plastic containers into the sink with hot, soapy water. Put garbage and recycling bins in a bathtub or sink with warm water to remove grime. Let them soak while you work on the cabinet interior.

3. Clean the cabinet thoroughly

Dirty under kitchen sink cabinet with a cloth and bottle of cleaning spray beside it.

Wipe down the interior with a mild solution of dish soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals if you prefer gentler cleaners. Dry the cabinet fully—moisture left behind can cause stains and damage the finish.

Cupboard under the sink cleaned and dried out.

You may notice worn areas or stains on the cabinet floor. A removable mat is a quick way to refresh the look and add protection from leaks and spills.

4. Make an easy DIY under sink cabinet floor mat

Supplies you’ll need:

A large cardboard box (flattened)
Tape measure
X-acto knife or box cutter
Scissors
Long straight edge (square or level)
Self-adhesive marble-look contact paper

Pictures of the steps to make a DIY under sink mat

Flatten the cardboard and measure the cabinet floor.
Cut the cardboard to the exact size of the cabinet base.
Cut two pieces of contact paper slightly wider than the cardboard to ensure full coverage.
Peel the contact paper backing and smooth it onto the cardboard, wrapping the edges underneath. Overlap the sheets if needed to cover the entire surface.

This simple mat instantly makes the cabinet look cleaner and provides a replaceable layer that protects the wood from moisture and stains.

Why use an under sink mat?

A mat is an inexpensive, practical way to protect the cabinet floor from leaks, spills, and wear. If a minor leak occurs, the mat—especially one made from cardboard covered in contact paper—takes the damage instead of the cabinet finish. That makes cleanup and replacement easy and inexpensive.

The contact paper surface wipes clean quickly, and replacing the mat is much easier than repairing cabinet wood or paint.

5. Declutter: remove items you no longer use

Sort the items you removed and get rid of duplicates, expired cleaners, and things you never reach for. I found a stack of knitted dishcloths I hadn’t used in over a year—decluttering freed up valuable space.

6. Return items thoughtfully and use containers strategically

DIY under sink mat placed in cabinet under the kitchen sink

Arrange items by frequency of use. In a deep cabinet, place trash bags and less-used items toward the back, while everyday supplies—dish soap, scrubbers, hand soap refills—stay near the front. Use clear plastic bins to group like items: cleaning sprays together, rags and cloths in another, and miscellaneous tools in a small caddy.

organized under sink cupboard with under cabinet mat — A simple under the kitchen sink organization system.

Replenishing containers with only the items you actually use keeps the cabinet functional and prevents overflow into other storage areas.

Recommended under sink organization products

If you prefer buying ready-made solutions, look for a waterproof under-the-sink mat, slim garbage cans that save space, or small pull-out drawers to make the back of the cabinet accessible. Choose durable, water-resistant materials and containers that fit your cabinet dimensions.

More kitchen upgrades using contact paper

Marble-effect contact paper is versatile: use it for cabinet mats, temporary countertop refreshes, or to update shelving surfaces. It’s an affordable way to change the look of the kitchen without a major renovation.

Free 15-minute home organization series

If you want to make steady progress, consider a short daily routine. A 15-minute organization plan focused on one small task each day can help you declutter and maintain order across your kitchen, pantry, closets, and other rooms. Look for printable checklists and step-by-step plans to guide the process.